EXCLUSIVE: Good Samaritan helps disabled man after scooter theft
A good Samaritan has come forward to help a disabled man whose mobility scooter was stolen in Belfast, after hearing Downtown Radio/Cool FM's coverage of the story.
Malcolm McCormick's vehicle was taken forcibly from him in city centre last Thursday evening.
It was his only mode of transport and was worth around ÂŁ3,000.
After hearing our coverage of the story, Gerry Magennis got in touch to say he wanted to help Malcolm while he waited the three weeks necessary for a replacement.
He runs Fairprice Mobility Ireland, a company aiming to provide mobility options for the elderly and disabled.
"I heard it on the Downtown/Cool FM news and I thought to myself it was a disgrace what happened to Malcolm," he said.
"I thought it wasn't fair Malcolm being left with no scooter.
"Hence why I got in touch and why I'm here with the scooter and I'm delighted to be able to do it."
Malcolm is delighted with how things have turned out, as it means he will not have to remain housebound for the three weeks it takes for a permanent replacement to be issued to him.
"I would like to thank Gerry very much for his kind help, I really appreciate it.
"I wasn't expecting it at all.
"It would give me a bit more faith in people, knowing that there's always someone out there who'll give you support."
Gerry gave Malcolm the choice of two scooters, to make sure he was comfortable with what he would be using for the next three weeks, at no charge whatsoever.
"We run the business from home, I make a living from it and I'm able to afford a bit of charity," he said.
"With the good weather you want to be out and about.
"At least now I can give him a way to get down to the town, to enjoy the good weather and the sunshine."
Malcolm also paid tribute to the coverage given to his plight by Downtown/Cool FM and said it was instrumental in helping him.
"I want to thank you for covering the story and helping me so much," he said.
With his new set of wheels on its way and Gerry looking after him in the meanwhile, Malcolm has been given a new lease of life after his ordeal.